Off-highway recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

A recreational off-highway vehicle includes side-by-side passenger and driver seats held within a chassis that is approximately 50 inches wide. The seats sit low in the chassis and are covered by a roll cage. Grab handles are positioned on the sides of the passenger seat. Select large round tubing protects the vehicle, while rectangular tubing frames the portions of the vehicle beneath body panels. The vehicle is powered by an engine rearward of the seats that is connected to a transaxle. The engine and transaxle are isolation mounted together with a portion of the air intake assembly. The vehicle is suited for rough terrain travel.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/684,863 entitled OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, filed Aug.23, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/143,353, entitled OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, filed Apr. 29, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,771,112 on Sep. 26, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/775,133, entitled OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, filed Feb. 23, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,327,587 on May 3, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/485,696, entitled VEHICLE CONFIGURATION, filed May 31, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,180,801 on Nov. 10, 2015. All contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to side-by-side, recreational off-highway vehicles, their configurations, chassis, suspension, and ergonomics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicles (“ROVs”) are quite capable in a wide variety of riding environments and situations, whether for sport or utility purposes. The ability of the vehicles to carry multiple occupants in a side-by-side seating arrangement makes them socially enjoyable to ride as well. The vehicles can be easy to enter and exit and easy to operate with controls and ergonomics somewhat similar to automobiles. However, unlike most automobiles, ROVs can be driven on harsh off-road terrain. The extent to which such terrain can be accessed depends on multiple factors, including the vehicle width, suspension, turning radius, under-carriage clearance, wheelbase, center of gravity, and power. The arrangement of these aspects and their interrelations can be important in determining the occupant ride characteristics, reliability, ease of maintenance, and terrain and cargo capabilities of the ROV.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicle having two front wheels and at least two rear wheels. The vehicle includes a chassis, an engine, a transmission, a drive unit, and body panels. The chassis includes a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. The front portion is coupled to the front wheels. The middle portion is coupled to the rear wheels and surrounds an occupant compartment having at least two side-by-side seats for a driver and at least one passenger. The chassis includes frame members of rectangular cross section and frame members of generally circular or oval cross section.

The engine is secured to the rear portion of the chassis. The transmission is secured to the engine. The drive unit is operably coupled to the driven clutch, and drivingly coupled to the rear wheels.

The body panels are secured to the chassis and cover most of the frame members of rectangular cross section while leaving exposed many of the frame members of generally circular or oval cross section. A frame member of generally circular cross section extends along right and left lower edges of the middle portion of the chassis. Frame members of generally circular cross section form a roll cage above at least the middle portion of the chassis. The vehicle further includes right and left doors in the middle portion of the chassis. The frame members along the right and left lower edges are positioned below the doors. The frame members of generally circular cross section are also exposed below the roll cage at a forward portion of the middle portion of the chassis.

The vehicle also includes a rear cargo box positioned above the drive unit. The rear cargo box has an opening covered with a movable door generally above the engine to access engine components. A separate body panel extends forward of the cargo box and forward of left rear wheel, between the left rear wheel and the driver door. The separate body panel includes an opening allowing air passage to an air intake conduit and an airbox for providing combustion air to the engine.

The transmission includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a cooling air intake having a conduit also extending from the opening in the body panel.

The body panels include at least one bridging body panel extending from the cargo box to between the engine and the seats. A rear separation panel extends downwardly from the bridging body panel to proximate a floor of the vehicle between the occupant compartment and the engine. The rear separation panel is formed of at least one separate panel secured to the bridging body panel. It further includes a removable portion adjacent an engine component, such as an oil filter and dipstick.

The drive unit includes a transaxle fastened to the engine, the drive clutch being driven by the engine and the driven clutch driving the transaxle. The engine and transaxle are mounted to the chassis with vibration isolation members. The airbox, throttle body, and CVT are secured to the engine and transaxle so as to move with the engine and transaxle relative to the chassis. The engine and transaxle form an assembly that bridges from the member mounting the engine to the member mounting the transaxle. The engine is forward of the transaxle, with a front driveline extending forward from the transaxle and extending under the engine.

The middle portion of the chassis has a distance from its underside to the ground defining a ground clearance, the driver seat and the passenger seat each having an upwardly facing lower seating surface upon which an occupant rests and a seat back for the back of the occupant to lean against; wherein the vertical distance between a lowest portion of the lower seating surface and the underside of the middle portion of the chassis is less than the ground clearance of the middle portion of the chassis when not vehicle is not loaded.

The wheelbase of the vehicle is at least 80 inches and preferably approximately 83 inches. The driver seat includes a seat index point, the seat index point being within 16 inches of the underside of the middle portion of the chassis. The seat index point is preferably positioned longitudinally between a center of the wheelbase and a center of gravity of the vehicle.

The vehicle further includes a driver door and a passenger door. The driver door and the passenger door each have a rear pivot and a front latch. The rear pivots also have a downward angle, such that the doors swing rearwardly and downwardly when opening.

The passenger door includes an interior grab member forward of the passenger seat back. It is secured to an interior facing side of the passenger door with the grab member being positioned longitudinally near a forward-most portion of the passenger lower seating surface. A medial passenger grab member is secured to the chassis on the medial side of the passenger seat longitudinally near the forward-most portion of the passenger lower seating surface. The vehicle includes a transmission shift lever to the left of the passenger grab bar such that the grab bar is situated laterally between the passenger seat and the shift lever 41.

The vehicle includes a floorboard with an integrally molded upwardly angled footrest forward of the passenger seat. The driver floorboard includes a heel step between the driver seat and the throttle pedal. A cup holder is also integrally molded with the floorboard.

The rear suspension is coupled between the chassis rearward portion and the rear wheels and includes right and left suspension arms and right and left shock absorbers. A rear sway bar is coupled between the right and left suspension arms. The sway bar extends rearwardly from the arms and mounts to the rearward-most end of the chassis rearward portion. The mounts are rearward of the shock absorbers.

The distance between the driver seat and the passenger seat is greater than the distance between the driver seat and the driver door and the distance between the passenger seat and the passenger door. Preferably, the distance between the seats is at least twice the distance between the passenger door and the passenger seat.

Further with regard to the engine and transmission arrangement, a forward end of the engine is mounted to the chassis and a rearward portion of the transmission is coupled to the chassis, the engine and transmission bridging from a forward engine mounting location to a rearward transmission mounting location. The engine is mounted to the chassis with at least one vibration isolation member and the transmission is mounted to the chassis with at least one vibration isolation member. A first mounting plate is fastened to the engine and to the transmission to secure the engine and transmission together. A second mounting plate is fastened directly to the transmission and fastened to the first mounting plate. The CVT has a drive clutch engaged with the engine and a driven clutch engaged with the transmission. The CVT is not rigidly mounted directly to the chassis. The engine, transmission, CVT, throttle body, and airbox are vibration isolated together relative to the chassis.

The airbox includes an air outlet and the engine includes an air inlet. The airbox air outlet is substantially in line with the throttle body and the engine air inlet. Furthermore, the distance from the airbox air outlet and the engine air inlet is less than a distance from a front end of the engine to a rear end of the transmission. A forward-extending driveshaft extends from a bottom end of the transmission beneath the engine toward the front wheels.

A method for assembling a vehicle is also provided. An engine is secured rigidly to a transmission to form an engine and transmission assembly. The assembly is moved through the mid chassis portion and through a front end of the rear chassis portion to within the rear chassis portion. The engine and transmission assembly are then secured within the rear chassis portion. The CVT is secured to the engine and transmission after securing the engine to the transmission and before moving the assembly to within the rear chassis portion.

At the front of the vehicle, right and left headlights are secured to a front end of the chassis forward portion. A radiator is secured within a front end of the chassis forward portion directly between the headlights. The chassis forward portion also includes front frame members and right and left bumper bars removably fastened to the front of the front frame members. The radiator is positioned between the front frame members and the bumper bars. The right and left headlights are positioned outwardly of the right and left bumper bars respectively. A winch is mounted below the radiator.

A fuel tank is secured by the chassis middle portion at least partially beneath the passenger seat. The fuel tank extends beneath and behind the lower seating portion, the tank having an height that increases behind the lower seating portion relative to the portion of the tank directly beneath the lower seating portion. A fuel pump is secured to the portion of the fuel tank behind the lower seating portion. The chassis includes a frame member beneath the passenger seat and on top of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower edge having a recess, the recess nesting with a lower chassis frame member. The fuel tank includes a corner recess into which a battery is positioned. The chassis further includes a battery tray adjacent the corner recess in the fuel tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIGS. 1A-D are isometric views of the vehicle of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-B are isometric views of the chassis of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 1A-D;

FIGS. 3A-C are top and side views of the body panels of the vehicle shown in FIGS. 1A-D;

FIG. 3D is an isometric view of a portion of the vehicle of the present invention with the hood and dash removed;

FIGS. 4A-D are isometric views into the occupant cabin of the vehicle;

FIG. 4E is a side-elevational view of a portion of the vehicle illustrating passenger seating;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an access panel in position with the vehicle;

FIG. 5B is a view with the panel of FIG. 5A removed;

FIG. 5C is an isometric view of the panel of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the front suspension of the vehicle of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-C are isometric views of the rear suspension of the vehicle;

FIG. 8A is a side-elevational view of the engine and transaxle in place in the chassis of the vehicle;

FIG. 8B is an isometric partially exploded view of the engine and transaxle assembly;

FIG. 8C is an isometric view of the engine mounting location in the chassis;

FIG. 8D is a top view of the engine and transaxle assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a rear isometric view of the air intake assembly installed with the engine;

FIG. 9B is a side-elevational view of the engine, transaxle, and air intake tract of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is a close-up isometric view of the airbox mounting;

FIG. 9D is a right side-elevational view of the airbox to engine path;

FIG. 9E is an isometric view of the air intake assembly of the present invention;

FIGS. 9F-G are rear views inside the airbox;

FIG. 10A is a front isometric view of the front of the vehicle with the body panels removed;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the front of the vehicle with the body panels removed;

FIG. 10C is a side-elevational view of the front of the vehicle with the body panels and headlights removed;

FIG. 11A is a side-elevational view of the fuel tank within the chassis of the vehicle; and

FIGS. 11B-C are isometric views of the fuel tank of FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the drawings listed above, the invention is a vehicle that includes side-by-side seating for a driver and a passenger (“occupants”). The vehicle is preferably less than about 50 inches wide such that it can access trails developed and designated for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Thus, as shown in FIG. 1A, a vehicle 10 includes a chassis 12, a driver seat 14, a passenger seat 16, and a steering wheel 18 forward of the driver seat 14. The chassis 12 supports the vehicle components including the seats 14, 16. In alternate embodiments, additional seating may be provided rearward of the driver and passenger seats 14, 16.

The chassis also supports a roll cage 20, safety nets 22, and body panels 24. The chassis is constructed with rectangular metal tubing as well as round (or somewhat round) tubing, referring to the cross-sectional shape of the tubing. Generally the rectangular tubing is hidden by the body panels 24, whereas most of the outwardly visible tubing is the round tubing. The round tubing is strong for perimeter support and has a desirable appearance that may signify off-road ability to some users. The round tubing is able to provide impact protection in strategic locations as well, such as along the bottom edge of the vehicle, the front and rear of the vehicle, and for the roll cage. The square tubing is advantageous for inner chassis support as it can be used to secure vehicle components without the need for as many tabs fixed to the chassis. Items can be secured to the rectangular tubing sides, such as by a simple weld or a fastener.

The vehicle 10 also includes a prime mover, preferably a gas-powered engine 26. The engine is held by the chassis 12. The engine is drivingly coupled to a pair of front wheels 28, having front tires 30 mounted thereon, the front wheels 28 being held to the chassis 12 with a front suspension 32. The engine is also drivingly coupled to a pair of rear wheels 34, having rear tires 36 mounted thereon, the rear wheels 34 being held to the chassis 12 with a rear suspension 38. Front and rear suspensions 32, 38 will be described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 1B also illustrates a general outer view of the vehicle 10. Front-opening driver and passenger doors 40, 42 are provided for ingress and egress to the occupant cabin having the seats 14, 16. The doors 40, 42 are constructed with door frames 44 that are hinged at the rear to the chassis and latched at the front to the chassis. Door panels 46 are preferably secured to the door frames 44. Door panels 46 cover the outside of the door frames 44, provide a pleasing external appearance and help to safely secure the occupants in the vehicle 10. Note that door frames 44 and door panels 46 do not extend vertically over the entire access opening on the side of the vehicle. The nets 22 help to cover some of the space, while allowing the vehicle to feel open and provide good visibility for the occupants in the generally off-highway terrain to which the vehicle is suited. Alternatively nets 22 may be replaced with other structure or support to protect the driver and passenger while still allowing good visibility.

Spaced below the door panels 46 are foot panels 48. Foot panels 48 cover a lower portion of the chassis 12 and aid in keeping the occupants feet and legs within the vehicle 10. Panels extending forward of the foot panels provide front fenders 50, arching over the front tires 30. Left and right side panels 52, 54, extend above and behind foot panels 48. Side panels 52, 54 are secured to the chassis 12 rearward of the door panels 46. The space between side panels 52, 54, foot panels 48 and front fenders 50 is the access opening in the side of the vehicle 10. This opening is selectively closed by the doors 40, 42.

The front of the vehicle 10 is also shown in FIG. 1B. A hood panel 56 extends between the upper portions of front fenders 50 to cover a top front portion of the chassis 12. A grill panel 58 extends downwardly from the front of the hood panel 56. A bumper panel 60 is situated at the lower end of the grill panel 58 and may be an integral extension thereof. An opening may be formed in the bumper panel 60 to accommodate a winch 62 at the front of the vehicle 10. A pair of headlights 64 are preferably secured to the chassis 12 on either side of the grill panel 58, beneath the forward-most portion of front fenders 50.

The rear outer aspects of the vehicle are shown in FIG. 1C. A rear cargo box 66 is provided rearward of the seats 14, 16. Rear fenders 68 extend on either side of the cargo box 66. The rear fenders 68 extend forward from the box to the side panels 52, 54. Fenders 68 extend downwardly partially along the rearward edges of the side panels 52, 54. Taillights 70 are secured to a rear grill that is in turn attached to the cargo box 66. Taillights 70 preferably include running lights and braking lights. They may alternatively include backup lights and/or turn signals.

A head panel 72 bridges the space between the cargo box 66 and the occupant cabin. The head panel includes an upper engine access door 74. This door preferably provides access to the top of the cylinder head (the valve cover and spark plugs) of the engine 26. Thus, minor maintenance tasks can be performed on the engine without removal of the head panel 72 and cargo box 66. The access door 74 is preferably secured closed with fasteners on its lower corners.

Within the occupant cabin a dashboard 76 is positioned forward of the seats 14, 16 and steering wheel 18. The dashboard 76 extends rearwardly from hood 56 and front fenders 50. The dashboard 76 includes openings for the steering column and the instrument gauge. In standard fashion it allows room beneath for the occupants legs. A floorboard 78 is also seen in FIG. 1C beneath the dashboard. A passenger area front panel 80 extends between the floorboard 78 and the dashboard 76. Completing the occupant envelope is a passenger area rear panel 82 shown in FIG. 1B. The rear panel 82 extends behind the seats between the floorboard 78 and the head panel 72. These panels are preferably constructed of molded plastic. They are secured to the chassis 12 with fasteners.

Portions of the drive system of vehicle 10 are shown in FIG. 1C. A transaxle 84 is positioned rearward of engine 26. The transaxle 84 includes the transmission gears and rear gearcase to drive the rear axles. A continuously variable transmission (CVT 86) is positioned on the left side of the engine 26 and transaxle 84 and spans between the two to provide power from the engine 26 to the transaxle 84. The airbox 88 is also visible on the rear of the vehicle 10. The airbox 88 being positioned at the rear end of the vehicle, it is easily accessible for maintenance.

The left side of the vehicle 10 includes an air intake opening 90 within the left side panel 52. An engine air intake duct 92 and a CVT air intake duct 94 both extend from this opening 90, to the airbox 88 and the CVT 86, respectively.

FIG. 1D illustrates some of the components from the rear right side of the vehicle 10. A fuel fill opening 96 is provided with the right side panel 54. A glove box 98 is recessed into the dashboard 76. An instrument gauge 100 is secured in the dashboard 76 preferably between the glove box 98 and the steering wheel 18. A receiver hitch 102 is provided extending from the rearward-most portion of the chassis 12, rearward of the transaxle 84.

Details of the chassis 12 are seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The chassis 12 includes a chassis front portion 104, a chassis mid portion 106, and a chassis rear portion 108. The front portion 104 secures the front suspension 32, the steering mechanism (not shown), and the winch 62. It also supports other components, such as headlights, a radiator, electrical lines, and hoses discussed in more detail below. The mid portion 106 secures the occupant area and related components of the vehicle 10. The rear portion 108 secures the rear suspension 38, the engine 26, and the transaxle 84.

More specifically the chassis front portion 104 includes front bars 110, front support frame 112, bumper bars 114, and various brackets 116. Front bars 110 are round tubular frame pieces welded together and extending along the front of the chassis 12, curving slightly outwardly from top to bottom. The front bars 110 are bolstered behind by the front support frame 112. Bumper bars 114 are fastened to front bars 110 forward of front bars 110. As discussed below, bumper bars 114 provide securement and protection for the radiator and help secure the lights and winch 62.

The chassis mid portion 106 includes undercarriage frame members 118 that are secured at their forward end to the chassis front portion 104. Preferably the undercarriage frame members are tubes with rectangular cross sections welded together, except for an outer lower rail 120 that has a larger, round cross section. Lower rail 120 extends along the lower sides of the chassis mid portion 106 to protect the chassis from impacts. As seen in FIGS. 1A-D, the lower rail 120 is visible below the body panels 24 (including foot panels 48), whereas the remainder of the undercarriage frame is generally hidden from view. Lower rail 120 extends on each side of vehicle 10 from the rear of chassis mid portion 106 then bending medially to connect to the narrower chassis front portion 104. Impact with dirt, rocks, logs, or other terrain may be more common along the portion of the chassis 12 formed by the lower rail 120. It's larger, round cross section is well suited to protect the remainder of the vehicle. The remainder of undercarriage frame 118 is preferably welded directly to the inner sides of lower rail 120.

Rising up from undercarriage frame 118 near the bend in lower rail 120 is a front frame member 122 on each side of chassis 12. Front frame members 122 rise upwardly and forwardly to meet a dash bar 124. Dash bar 124 extends across the front of chassis mid portion 106 and is also connected to the tops of front bars 110 inboard of the connections to front frame members 122. Dash bar 124 is also preferably of larger, round cross-sectional shape. After connecting with front frame members 122, the dash bar 124 bends upwardly and rearwardly to connect to the roll cage 20.

At the rear ends of lower rails 120, rear frame members 126 extend upwardly, defining the rear corners of chassis mid portion 106. These frame members, rectangular in cross section, extend upwardly and slightly rearwardly to a connection with a head bar 128 and the rearward end of the roll cage 20. Head bar 128 extends from one side of the rear of the chassis mid portion 106 to the other. Head bar 128 and the rear frame members 126 frame the upper and sides of a chassis opening into which the engine and transaxle are preferably inserted. These chassis members form the rear structural support for the vehicle.

Additional support frame members are provided in the chassis mid portion 106. Side support members 130 extend between rear frame members 126 and front frame members 122 on each side of the chassis mid portion 106. Side support members 130 also secure a seat support frame 132 in place. Seat support frame 132 extends across chassis mid portion 106 from one side to the other and includes securement brackets for seats 14, 16. Seat support frame 132 is preferably constructed of two separate weldments—a front weldment and a rear weldment. The front weldment is secured to the rear weldment with longitudinally extending channels between the two. A passenger grip 134 is also fastened to the seat support frame 132. The passenger grip 134 extends upwardly and forwardly from a front mid portion of the seat support frame 132. As will be discussed below, the passenger grip 134 extends upwardly on the medial side of the passenger seating area.

FIG. 2B better illustrates the rear frame members of chassis rear portion 108. Chassis rear portion 108 includes rear lower frame members 136 along the bottom of the chassis rear portion 108 and rear upper frame members 138 along the top of the chassis rear portion 108. Rear tubes 140 extend from the upper frame members 138 to the lower frame members 136 at the rearward end of the chassis 12. In the preferred embodiment, rear tubes 140 extend continuously into lower frame members 136. Rear tubes 140 preferably are constructed of round cross-sectional tubing. Further rear framing is provided with rear support members 142 extending between lower frame members 136 and upper frame members 138. These members provide additional structural support and mounting locations for vehicle components, such as the engine 26, the transaxle 84, the rear suspension 38, and the cargo box 66.

The chassis rear portion 108 also includes lower rearward supports 144 that triangulate the connection between the chassis mid portion 106 and the chassis rear portion 108. Rearward supports 144 extend from the rearward ends of lower rails 120 to the rear lower frame members 136. These supports also provide securement for engine front mounts 146 in the forward end of the chassis rear portion 108. Transaxle rear mounts are also provided; they are secured to the rear support members at the rearward end of the chassis rear portion 108. The engine and transaxle mounts will be shown in more detail in connection with the engine and transaxle discussed below.

Also shown in FIG. 2B are tube couplers 150 welded between the rear frame members 126 and the head tube 128. These couplers also provide securement to the roll cage 120.

FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate the body panels 24 that are secured to the chassis 12. Several of the panels have already been mentioned. FIGS. 3A and 3B show in more detail several features of the vehicle occupant cabin. Floorboard 78 includes cup holders 152 molded integrally therewith. Floorboard 78 is preferably molded in a single piece. However, it may alternatively be molded in two parts—a driver side and a passenger side, each with cup holders 152, as well as a driver foot rest 156 and a passenger foot rest 154. The foot rests are “dead pedals” that the occupants can use for resting a foot or bracing themselves within the vehicle 10. The foot rests 154, 156 are also preferably integrally molded with the floor panels.

Additional body panels 24 are within the vehicle cabin including an engine cover 158, a center console 160, a battery cover 162, and a lower engine access panel 164. Rear panel 82 is formed in two parts—a right side and a left side. The engine cover 158 is formed of a right and a left part, fastened down the middle. The two outer sides extend from the two sides of passenger area rear panels 82 and are attached thereto. The center console 160 is a raised hump between the seats that accommodates the driveline, the shift cable, cooling hoses, and the electrical harness. An opening in the top of the center console 160 allows for movement of the shift lever. The lower engine access panel 164 is held on the forward end of the engine cover and allows access to the oil filter and dipstick, as will be shown in more detail below.

An upper engine cover 166 is also provided at the rear of the head panel 72 within the cargo box 66. Upper engine cover 166 extends integrally from head panel 72. It includes the upper engine access door 74, mentioned above.

FIG. 3C illustrates the right side of the body panels. A fuel fill recess 168 is shown in the right side panel 54. The forward extent of the passenger area front panel 80 is also well shown here, as well as the rearward extent of the passenger area rear panel 82.

FIG. 3D provides a close-up view of the body panels 24 secured on the chassis over numerous vehicle components. A radiator 170 is positioned rearward of the grill panel and between headlight assemblies 64 on the right and left sides of the radiator 170. The headlight assemblies extend between the front fenders 50 and the grill panel on either side of the upper end of the radiator 170. With regard to the chassis 12, the radiator is situated between the bumper bars 114 and the front support frame 112 (see FIG. 2A).

Also shown among other components is a brake reservoir 174, which is accessible under the hood panel 56. Several components are accessible under the hood panel 56, including the radiator 170, the headlight assemblies 172, a steering assembly 176, and portions of the front suspension 32. Above the hood and other body panels, roll cage couplers are provided at the upper ends of the dash bar 124. Note that storage space 180 is also provided under the hood panel 56. A bin or other member may be advantageously provided under the hood for this purpose. As several components along with storage space 180 may be accessed under the hood panel 56, hand fasteners are preferably provided to secure hood panel 56 in place.

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate various ergonomic aspects of the vehicle 10. The vehicle occupant cabin is shown with the seats 14, 16, floorboard 78, doors 40, 42, and controls including the steering wheel 18. The doors include door latches 182 that may be opened from the outside of front of the rearwardly opening doors. The doors 40, 42 are hinged at a slight angle such that they swing outwardly and downwardly. Thus, they stay open due to gravity until closed. Nets 22 or other structure may be secured to the top and bottoms of the rearward ends of the doors 40, 42 to provide additional protection to the occupants. In place of nets, additional structure may be provided to provide impact protection and securement within the cabin.

The door frames 44 include upper and lower bars over which the door panels 46 are secured. An interior passenger door hand hold 184 extends from the upper bar to the lower bar on the passenger door frame 44 above and to the right of the front of the passenger seat 16. Door hand hold 184 is angled forwardly as it extends upwardly so as to provide a comfortable grip to the occupants.

In the case of the passenger door handle, it provides a convenient place for the passenger to grasp when riding to steady himself or herself as the vehicle 10 moves. The passenger may comfortably grasp the door handle 184 with the right hand and the passenger grab bar or grip 134 with the left hand. The handle 184 and bar 134 are located at the forward end of the seating area at nearly the same longitudinal location along the vehicle 10. The grab bar 134 also helps to separate the passenger from interfering with the operation of the vehicle. For example, the bar 134 separates the passenger from a shift lever 188. Thus, the passenger's leg will not bump the shift lever 188 that extends up through the center console 100. The grab bar is preferably a bar of round cross section with a rubber grip on the upper end thereof. The door handles 184, 186 may also have rubber grips.

A throttle pedal 190 and a brake pedal 192 are also accessible to the driver seated in the driver seat 14. As the preferred embodiment of the vehicle utilizes a CVT, a clutch pedal is not shown, although can be provided in alternate embodiments. The pedals 190, 192 are forward of and slightly above a heel rest 194. Heel rest 194 is provided in the floorboard 78 as an angled face providing a step for locating the heel of the driver by feel. This allows the driver to easily place his or her foot at the proper location to operate the vehicle 10 even while traversing rough terrain. Undercarriage frame 118 may extend behind the floorboard 78 adjacent the underside of heel rest 194 to provide additional support. The floorboard rearward of heel rest 194 may be sloped to provide for the step of heel rest 194. Heel rest 194 extends between driver footrest 156 and a floorboard hump. It also extends on the passenger side of floorboard 78 between the passenger footrest 154 and floorboard hump 196. Floorboard hump 196 houses a portion of the driveline, hoses, and electrical wires.

FIGS. 4A and 4E show the position of the upper and lower door hinges 198, 200. The hinges are secured between the side support members 130 and the door frame 44 on each door. The hinges may be any member allowing pivotal movement between the door 40 and the chassis 12. As discussed above, the hinge axis is tilted rearwardly in the preferred embodiment illustrated, such that the door swings rearwardly and downwardly when opening.

FIG. 4A also shows some detail of the head panel 72 that extends over the head bar 128 rearward of the seats 14, 16. Head panel 72 bridges the space between the cargo box 66 and the passenger area rear panel 82. Head panel 72 includes raised portions rearward of the tops of the seats 14, 16 with a recess between the raised portions for rearward visibility.

The arrangement of the vehicle 10 provides a low center of gravity and places the driver and passenger low in the vehicle near the center of gravity of the vehicle. This helps improve the stability and ride quality of the occupants over rough terrain. Extending the wheelbase to over 80 inches, preferably about 83 inches also aids in the stability of the vehicle and allows the positioning of the seats 14, 16 lower in the chassis 12.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate the lower engine access panel 164 that is rearward of and laterally between the seats 14, 16 in the vehicle cabin. A panel fastener 202 secures the access panel to the rearward end of the center console 160. The fastener 202 employs a tab that may be turned by hand to remove the panel. The shape of the access panel 164 continues the shape of the center console 160 and transitions to the shape of the engine cover 158 as the access panel 164 extends rearwardly.

With the lower engine access panel 164 removed, an oil filter 204 and dipstick 206 may be accessed as shown in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 5C, the access panel 164 includes a fastener recess 207 in which the panel fastener is placed. Securement tabs 208 extend from the sides of the panel to engage the surrounding engine cover 158. Once the fastener 202 is secure the tabs also secure the access panel 164 in place. This allows access to engine parts without difficult or timely disassembly of vehicle components.

FIG. 6 illustrates the front suspension 32 of vehicle 10. It also shows in some detail the chassis front portion 104. The front suspension is constructed of right and left four-bar linkages each side including the chassis, the upper arm 212, the lower front A-arm 214, and the knuckle assembly 216. The exact angles, lengths, and spacing of the connections between the links is selected to determine the travel of the wheel connected to a hub 218 attached to the knuckle assembly 216.

Steering rods 220 are coupled between the steering assembly (not shown) and the knuckle assembly 216. Right and left “half shaft” front axles also move with the suspension, connected between the front gear box (not shown) and the hub 218. Shock absorbers 224 with springs are coupled between the chassis, specifically brackets on the front bars 110, and the upper arms 212. Loads are transferred through the front bars 110 to the dash bar 124, the roll cage 20, and the front frame members 122 and so forth to bridge to the rear of the vehicle 10.

Turning to the rear suspension, FIGS. 7A through 7C are illustrative. Somewhat similar to the front suspension 32, rear suspension 38 is preferably constructed with a four-bar linkage arrangement. Each side of the suspension includes an upper arm 226, a lower A-arm 228, and a rear knuckle 232. The upper and lower arms 226, 228 are secured to the chassis rear portion 108 through suspension brackets 230 secured between rear support members 142 and rear lower frame members 136. A rear shock and spring assembly 234 is secured between the lower A-arm 228 and a shock absorber bracket 236 on each side. The shock absorber brackets 236 are secured to the rear support members 142 and rear upper frame members 138.

The rear sway bar assembly interacts with the rear suspension 38. A sway bar 238 links the right and left lower A-arms 228. Sway bar 238 extends rearward of the rear tubes 140 and is mounted to the rear tubes 140 with sway bar mounts 240 secured to a rear bracket 241 that extends between rear tubes 140. Sway bar mounts 240 hold sway bar 238 from translational movement while allowing rotational movement. After extending beyond rear tubes 140, the sway bar 238 bends forward to the outboard sides of the suspension brackets 230 and inboard of the shock absorber and spring assemblies 234. The forward ends of sway bar 238 are coupled to sway bar links 242 that extend downwardly to couplings with lower A-arms 228. Lower A-arms 228 include cross members 229 extending from forward to rearward portions of lower A-arms 228. The lower ends of links 242 are secured to the cross members 229. See FIGS. 7B and 7C.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-D, the engine 26, transaxle 84, and CVT 86 are also positioned within chassis rear portion 108. The engine 26 is positioned forwardly of the transaxle 84. The CVT 86 is driven by the engine 26 and drives the transaxle 84, preferably on the left side of the engine and transaxle. As discussed above, engine front mounts 146 are fastened to the front of the engine crankcase. Engine front mounts 146 are “L” shaped to fasten to the crankcase at various locations and provide a lower mounting location to the chassis rear portion 108. A frame bracket 244 is held above rear lower frame members 136. The frame bracket 244 secures isolation members 246 on the top thereof. Isolation members 246 are preferably typical engine mounts that include metal fasteners isolated with rubber to allow vibrational movements of the engine without translating all such engine vibrations to the chassis.

The rearward end of the transaxle 84 is secured to the rearward end of the chassis rear portion 108. As mentioned above, mount brackets 148 are secured to the rearward case of the transaxle 84. Frame brackets 248 are secured to the rear tubes 140 and the suspension bracket 230. Frame brackets 248 provide a mount for rear isolation members 250 that are placed between frame bracket 248 and mount bracket 148. Rear isolation members 250 are similar to isolation members 246. As will be discussed in more detail below, the engine 26 and transaxle are coupled together. Thus, with two isolation members used at the rear of transaxle 84 and two used at the front of engine 26, the engine-transaxle assembly is secured to the chassis 12 with four isolation members for a secure arrangement that isolates vibrations from the transmitting to the chassis and vehicle occupants. As the CVT is also coupled to the engine and transaxle, and not directly to the frame members, it too is isolated from the chassis with the isolation members 246, 250. Other components, including the engine air intake tract also benefit from this isolation mounting, as will be described below.

The engine 26 and transaxle 84 are coupled with an engine plate 252 and a transaxle plate 254 that are fastened together. A single coupling plate or simply fasteners from the engine to the transaxle are employed in alternate embodiments. The engine plate 252 is fastened to the engine crankcase and includes a portion facing the transaxle plate 254, which is fastened to the transaxle 84. The two plates are secured together with fasteners. Providing two plates fastened together provides for the construction of the plates with accurate tolerances for securement to the engine and transaxle mounting locations.

The transaxle transfers power to the front axles through a forwardly extending transaxle shaft 256 drivingly coupled to a driveshaft 258. The driveshaft 258 extends under engine 26 and center console 160 toward the front of the vehicle 10. The driveshaft 258 extends beneath (and between in plan view) the engine front mounts 146 and isolation members 246. A spline connection 260 couples the transaxle shaft 156 and driveshaft 258 while allowing some small movement between them as the chassis slightly flexes while the vehicle 10 is in operation. A front driveshaft 262 is coupled to driveshaft 258 to extend the driveline to the front gearbox. The driveshaft 258 and front driveshaft 262 are secured together with another spline connection. A frame coupler 264 is preferably placed near the connection to secure the front driveshaft in place while allowing for rotational movement.

The transaxle transfers power to the rear axle through the transaxle rear drive 267 with splined couplings that open to the right and left of the rear portion of the transaxle 84. The rear half shafts are secured to the transaxle rear drive 267.

FIG. 8B further illustrates the interconnection of the engine 26 and the transaxle 84. The engine plate 252 is secured to the engine 26 with appropriately situated engine plate mount tabs 265 extending therefrom. The plate is preferably fastened to the engine case. The engine plate is manufactured by being cut then stamped to position the tabs 265 correctly for alignment with the engine mount locations.

Likewise, the transaxle plate 254 is preferably cut and stamped into shape. Alternatively it may be forged or cast or made by other methods. Transaxle plate mount tabs 266 are formed to securement to the front of the transaxle case above the transaxle shaft 256. Six fasteners secure the engine plate 252 to the transaxle plate 254.

In placing the engine into the chassis, the engine 26 and transaxle 84 are fastened together first with mount plates 254, 252, then the assembly is placed within the chassis rear portion 108. The engine front mounts 146 and transaxle rear mount 148 are preferably secured to the engine 26 and transaxle 84 prior to inserting the assembly as well. In one embodiment, the CVT secured to the engine and transaxle prior to insertion of the assembly.

FIG. 8C again shows the rear chassis portion 108 without the engine 26 and transaxle 84. A shift cable 268 is shown held by a bracket. This cable extends from the lower end of the shift lever 188. It is connected to the shift arm 270 of the transaxle 84 (shown in FIG. 8D).

FIG. 8D also illustrates the connection of the CVT 86 to the engine 26 and transaxle 84. The CVT 86 is connected to an input shaft 272 of the transaxle 84 and to a crankshaft 274 of the engine 26. The CVT 86 includes a drive clutch 276 driven by the crankshaft 274 and a driven clutch 278 mounted on the input shaft 272. A belt 280 is coupled between the sheaves of the drive and driven clutches 276, 278 for achieving continuously variable gear ratios as the crankshaft changes speed. The fixed connection between the engine and transaxle along with the combined isolation mounting of the engine and transaxle to the chassis also aids in the operation of the CVT, as the distance between the axis of rotation of the drive clutch 276 and that of the driven clutch is maintained substantially constant. This helps reduce power losses and increase belt life.

FIGS. 9A-G illustrate the air intake tract for the engine as well as the CVT cooling air intake and exhaust. The airbox 88 includes an airbox body 282 that is formed of sufficient shape and volume to be tuned to the engine for optimum performance. Note that the airbox 88 is also close to the engine 26 such that the pulsing air needs of the combustion chambers are met with the large volume of the airbox 88. The airbox body 282 is closed with an airbox cover 284 secured with clips 286 spaced around the periphery thereof. The cover 284 faces rearwardly to be readily accessible for access to the interior of the airbox 88 for maintenance. An airbox lower mount 288 secures the airbox to the transaxle mount bracket 148, such that the airbox is isolated with the engine 26 and transaxle 84 to move therewith relative to the chassis 12.

FIG. 9A also shows the CVT cover 290 positioned over the clutches 276, 278. Removal of the cover allows access to the clutches and belt 280.

FIG. 9B further illustrates routing of the engine air intake duct 92 to the airbox from the air intake opening 90 to an airbox flex coupling 292 on the forward portion of the airbox body 282. The flex coupling allows the airbox 88 to move relative to the intake duct 92, which is mounted to the chassis 12.

A CVT exhaust duct 294 is also shown in FIG. 9B. This duct extends from the rearward end of the CVT 86, above the driven clutch to an air dump location forward of the CVT 86.

FIG. 9C illustrates the lower mounting arrangement of the airbox 88. The airbox body 282 includes lower mount tabs 296 extending downwardly from the bottom thereof. The tabs 296 are secured with fasteners to the airbox lower mount 288. As mentioned above, lower mount 288 is in turn secured to the transaxle rear mount 148 that is attached to the isolation members 250. Thus, the airbox 88 is not directly fixed to the chassis 12.

FIGS. 9D and 9E show the preferred arrangement of intake components between the airbox 88 and the engine 26. A throttle body 300 and an intake manifold 302 are secured in line with the airbox 88 and engine 26 across a short distance. The length of the throttle body 300 and intake manifold 302 essentially define the distance. Thus, the air from the airbox 88 is readily available to the combustion chamber of the engine 26. A throttle body coupling 304 is over-molded onto a flange on the forward end of the airbox body 282. This coupling 304 is clamped to the rearward end of the throttle body 300. Likewise a manifold coupling 306 is over-molded onto the rearward end of the intake manifold 302. The rearward end of the manifold coupling is clamped to the forward end of the throttle body 300. The couplings 304, 306 are somewhat elastic, but are of sufficient rigidity to support the components with the assistance of an airbox upper bracket 308. Bracket 308 extends between the airbox body 282, the throttle body 300, and the intake manifold 302. Note that fuel injectors 310 are operatively connected to the forward ends of intake manifold 302.

FIG. 9E also shows a duct hanger secured to an upper portion of the intake duct 92 to secure the duct to the rear chassis portion 108. The intake duct 92 is channeled up from the entrance opening to avoid water and debris from proceeding to the airbox 88. A drain 322 shown in FIG. 9F also aids in removing any moisture that does enter the airbox 88. A shield 320 forms a wall between an airbox intake opening 318 and an air filter 312. Thus any moisture is channeled away from the filter 312 to exit drain 322.

A filter mount 314 and a mount fastener 316 secure the air filter in place over a filter frame 326 (seen in FIG. 9G). FIG. 9F also shows a airbox gasket 324 received between airbox body 282 and airbox cover 284. A recess in the edge of cover 284 helps to hold the gasket 324 in place.

Besides the filter frame 326, FIG. 9G also shows the airbox exit flange 328. The flange 328 is in-line with the throttle body 300 and intake manifold 302, as discussed above.

Some aspects of the positioning of radiator 170 were shown and discussed above. FIGS. 10A-C further clarify the arrangement at the front of the vehicle 10. As noted above, the radiator 170 is positioned laterally between the right and left headlights 64. Longitudinally, the radiator 170 is positioned between the bumper bars 114 and the front bars 110. Vertically, the radiator 170 is positioned between the winch 62 and the tops of the bumper bars 114 about even with the tops of the headlights 64. An oil cooler 330 is positioned adjacent an upper front face of the radiator 170. A fan 332 is positioned adjacent the rear face of the radiator 170 to pull air through the radiator when needed for additional cooling.

Details of a fuel tank 334 will now be described in connection with FIGS. 11A through 11C. The fuel tank 334 is positioned beneath and behind the passenger seat 16. It is nested into the undercarriage frame 118 of the chassis mid portion 106. The fuel tank 334 includes a fuel duct 336 and a fuel cap 338. The fuel duct 336 extends upwardly and outwardly from the rear portion of the tank 334 to a terminus at the fuel fill recess 168 of the right side panel 54. The cap 338 is securable to the end of the duct 336. As shown in FIG. 11A, the fuel tank 334 is held down by seat support frame 132. Removal of seat support frame 132 is necessary to remove the fuel tank 334. The rearward end of fuel tank 334 extends upwardly to provide additional volume rearward of the lower portion of the passenger seat 16. As shown in FIG. 11C, recesses 339 along the lower edges of the fuel tank 334 allow the tank to nest within the undercarriage frame 118, including lower rail 120. Thus, the tank is securely held between undercarriage frame 118 and seat support frame 132.

FIG. 11B illustrates the positioning of a fuel pump 340 in an upper-most portion of the rear of the tank 334. A fuel coupling 342 is also positioned adjacent the pump 340.

The front left corner of fuel tank 334 is includes a large recess to receive the vehicle battery. A battery tray 344 is secured to the undercarriage frame 118 to hold the bottom of the battery.

The positioning of the fuel tank and the battery under the passenger seat 16 of the vehicle 10 somewhat balances the right to left weight of the vehicle, especially if a passenger is not riding along. This positioning also maintains a low center of gravity with these relatively heavy components—fuel and battery—being at the bottom of the vehicle.

Overall, the center of gravity of the vehicle is kept longitudinally and vertically near the hip or lower spine of the driver. The center of mass of the driver is preferably longitudinally between the center of the wheelbase and the center of mass of the vehicle 10. Vertically, the preferred clearance of the center of the vehicle is approximately 10 inches above the ground. The seat index point (“SIP”) of the driver is approximately 14 inches above the underside of the chassis mid portion 106. Thus, the occupants feel like they are riding “down in” the vehicle in a low, stabile location. This positioning aids in controlling the vehicle as the occupants are not jostled about as the vehicle 10 is driven over rough terrain. Yet the visibility of the occupants is still adequate.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a second row of seats can be provided. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicle having two front wheels and at least two rear wheels, a right rear wheel and a left rear wheel, the vehicle comprising: a chassis having a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion; the front portion being coupled to the front wheels, the rear portion being coupled to the rear wheels, and the middle portion surrounding an occupant compartment having at least two side-by-side seats for a driver and at least one passenger; an engine secured to the rear portion of the chassis; a transmission secured to the engine; a drive unit operably coupled to the transmission, the drive unit drivingly coupled to the rear wheels; a driver door and a passenger door in the chassis middle portion; a rear cargo box attached to the chassis rear portion and positioned above the drive unit, the rear cargo box having a cargo box body panel on the exterior side thereof; and a plurality of body panels secured to the chassis middle portion, wherein the plurality of body panels includes a side body panel extending forward of the cargo box and forward of one of the rear wheels, between the said rear wheel and one of the driver door and the passenger door, said side body panel being formed of a panel separate from the cargo box body panel; the plurality of body panels also including a rear fender separate from and rearward of the side body panel, said rear fender having a cargo-box portion secured to the cargo box and a side-panel portion secured to the side body panel.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the side body panel includes an opening allowing air passage, the vehicle further including an air intake conduit and an air box for providing combustion air to the engine, the conduit extending from the opening in the body panel to the airbox.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the side body panel includes a fuel fill recess, allowing access to a fuel tank.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the transmission includes a continuously variable transmission with a cooling air intake having a conduit extending from the opening in the body panel.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of body panels includes at least one bridging body panel extending from the cargo box to between the engine and the seats.
 6. The vehicle of claim 5, further comprising a rear separation panel extending downwardly from the bridging body panel to proximate a floor of the vehicle between the occupant compartment and the engine.
 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the rear separation panel is formed of at least one separate panel secured to the bridging body panel.
 8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the separation panel further includes a removable portion adjacent an engine component.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the engine component includes an oil filter.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the rear fender extends from the cargo box and downwardly adjacent the side panel forward of one of the rear wheels.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the plurality of body panels includes a foot panel below the separate side body panel and extending forward of the separate side body panel toward one of the front wheels, the foot panel being positioned below one of the doors.
 12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the driver door and the passenger door each have a rear pivot and a front latch, the rear pivot of one of the doors being secured to the chassis adjacent the separate body panel, the rear pivot also having a downward angle, such that the door swings rearwardly and downwardly when opening.
 13. A side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicle having two front wheels and at least two rear wheels, a right rear wheel and a left rear wheel, the vehicle comprising: a chassis coupled to the front wheels, the rear wheels, and surrounding an occupant compartment having at least two side-by-side seats for a driver and at least one passenger; an engine secured to the chassis; a driver door and a passenger door secured to the chassis between the front wheels and the rear wheels; a rear engine cover attached to the chassis and positioned above the engine, a plurality of body panels secured to the chassis, including: a separate side body panel extending forward of the rear engine cover and forward of one of the rear wheels, between the said rear wheel and one of the driver door and the passenger door, the side body panel being fixed relative to the rear engine cover; and a rear fender extending rearward of the side body panel and removable separately from the side body panel, the rear fender bridging between the rear engine cover and the side body panel.
 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the side body panel includes an air intake opening covering and adjacent an intake air hose extending to the engine.
 15. The vehicle of claim 13, further including a CVT transmission, wherein the side body panel includes an air intake opening covering and adjacent an intake air hose extending to the CVT transmission.
 16. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein a forward portion of the rear fender extends downwardly adjacent a rearward side of the side body panel, the wheel fender being secured separately to the chassis and extending rearwardly over one of the rear wheels.
 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the plurality of body panels includes a separate foot panel secured to the chassis and extending below and forward of the side panel.
 18. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the separate side panel is a first air intake side panel, the plurality of body panels further including a second side panel on the side of the vehicle opposite the first air intake side panel, the second side panel including a fuel fill opening.
 19. A side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicle having two front wheels and at least two rear wheels, a right rear wheel and a left rear wheel, the vehicle comprising: a chassis coupled to the front wheels, the rear wheels, and surrounding an occupant compartment having at least two side-by-side seats for a driver and at least one passenger; an engine and transmission secured to the chassis; a CVT coupled to the transmission; a driver door and a passenger door secured to the chassis between the front wheels and the rear wheels; a rear cargo box attached to the chassis and positioned above the engine, the cargo box being fixed relative to the chassis and having right and left rear fenders secured thereto, a separate first side body panel extending forward of the rear cargo box and forward of one of the rear wheels, between the said rear wheel and one of the driver door and the passenger door, the first side body panel having an air-intake opening adjacent an air-intake hose for the engine, the side body panel being forward of one of the rear fenders and removable separately from the one of the rear fenders, the rear fender extending downwardly adjacent the side body panel along a portion of the side body panel; and a separate second side body panel on an opposite side of the vehicle from the first side body panel, the second side body panel having a fuel fill opening, one of the rear fenders being secured separate from the second side body panel and extending downwardly adjacent the second side body panel along a portion of the second side body panel.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising: first and second cargo box body panels rearward of the first and second side body panels; and first and second foot panels extending below and forward of the first and second side body panels. 